Editors' Picks 2019
Last updated: February 13, 2021
Each year the Five Books Editors pick their best reads of the year. Editing jobs at Five Books involves reading a lot of books, often at speed, sometimes superficially. Here, our editors pick some of those books in 2019 that stood out sufficiently to slow them down and draw them in deep.
Literary editor Stephanie Kelley selects her most memorable reads from 2019, including novels, memoirs essays and letters. Meanwhile, Five Books founder and editor-in-chief Sophie Roell chooses the best children’s books of 2019 in collaboration with her children, recommending Philip Pullman and Sophie Cleverly, among others.
Our deputy editor Cal Flyn also guides us through the highlights of her year, picking out the wide range of fiction and non-fiction that grabbed her attention. Some of her choices are widely acclaimed and award winning; others are hidden gems. She also lists the books she’s looking forward to reading in 2020.
Editors’ Picks: Favorite Books of 2019, recommended by Stephanie Kelley
Looking for captivating, eccentric novels, essays and letters to read at the turn of the new year? Five Books literary editor Stephanie Kelley shares favorites from her year in reading—new and old.
Editors’ Picks: Children’s Books, recommended by Sophie Roell
Five Books editor Sophie Roell selects the best children’s books of 2019, after intense discussions with her family about which books should make the list.
Editors’ Picks: Notable Books of 2019, recommended by Cal Flyn
Five Books deputy editor Cal Flyn reflects on a year of spectacularly rich literary output, highlighting notable new books from Mary Gaitskill and Robert Macfarlane, as well as sparkling debuts that mark the arrival of exciting new literary voices in 2019.
